Hylkema replaces Caldarelli at Tech 1Tech 1 racing has announced that Andrea Caldarelli, who is currently second overall in the GP3 standings, is no longer racing for the team. From Valencia onwards, the Italian will be replaced by Dutchman Thomas Hylkema, who is testing at the Hungaroring on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

With Caldarelli having received a request from Toyota to compete in Formula Nippon, the reasons for his departure are confirmed by Tech 1 Team Manager Simon Abadie:

“It gives our heartstrings a bit of a tug to see Andrea leaving, but that’s how it is. He couldn’t turn down an offer from a manufacturer like Toyota and we fully understand his position. Toyota has been backing him for several years and it’s good for his career to go to Japan to race.

“He’s currently second in GP3 and he’s contributed a lot to our team. He’s been one of the stalwarts since the start of the season and we’ve moved up a step with him. Now, we’re very happy to count on Thomas Hylkema.”

Hylkema joins other Tech 1 representatives Aaro Vainio of Finland and Tamas Pal Kiss of Hungary, who is currently seventh overall. At the top of the championship, Nigel Melker’s lead is now five points over nearest challenger Mitch Evans.

Copyright 1999-2017 | AutoRacing1 is an
independent internet online publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed
by IndyCar, NASCAR, FIA, Sprint, or any other series sponsor.
This material may not be published, broadcast, or redistributed without
permission.